Maria Sakkari refused to reveal what exactly she changed against Emma Raducanu, but noted that she made certain changes and had a clear plan about how to play this time.
Between the 2021 and 2025 seasons, the British 2021 US Open champion registered four straight-set wins over the top-ranked Greek female tennis player.
In her very first tournament of 2026 at the United Cup, Sakkari got a chance to play against Raducanu and finally get one over the 23-year-old Briton. And the 30-year-old Greek succeeded in her goal after overcoming the world No. 29 6-3 3-6 6-1.
One of the things that the Greek former world No. 3 did well was being aggressive throughout and not allowing Raducanu to dictate the play and rhythm.
Later in her press conference, Sakkari acknowledged that she had a poor head-to-head record going into the match and that she was determined to win.
Sakkari: I changed the tactic… I felt like Raducanu was doing the same thing against me in our past matches
“We tweaked a little bit obviously the tactic. I feel like it was more about she does the same thing against me like any other time. I feel like it was more about me being brave in those big moments,” the Greek explained.
“In that second set I feel like I took my foot off the gas a little bit. I was too careful. With his instructions and his help, I was really going after it, but with common sense, knowing what I’m doing.
“I’m not going to reveal the tactic obviously. It really paid off, for sure.”
For Sakkari, it was her already second strong of 2026, having previously beaten Japanese four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka in straight sets in her opening United Cup match.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, the Greek returned to the court and lost to Coco Gauff in three sets.
Despite the Gauff loss, it was still a positive United Cup run for Sakkari, who shouldn’t be lacking confidence going into the Australian Open.
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